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Big data versus fast data

Why the speed of data analytics can be just as valuable as the quantity of data being analyzed.

When it comes to extrapolating value from data, size doesn’t always matter. Sometimes speed is more important than volume.

“As organizations rush to take advantage of big data, they shouldn’t ignore the prospects of data in motion,” says David Orain, a senior consultant focused on emerging technologies at Cisco.

“Sensors, networks, and smart devices are everywhere, providing a torrent of streaming data,” he explains. “This data has tremendous potential, but it retains its highest value for only a short period of time.”

With big data, the value derived is typically proportional to the quantity of...